Joe Mather gave the Cardinals a big lift and an early lead with a 3rd inning three-run homer in last night’s 6-3 win over the Phillies.

Mather went 2-for-4 to raise his season batting average to .269.  The rookie outfielder is hitting .391 in his last five games, and he has blasted three homers during that span. 

Kyle Lohse (13-3) made the start for the Redbirds, allowing three runs in five and a third innings, but he struggled in the sixth before exiting.

Jason Isringhausen worked part of the eighth and the ninth for his first save since May 5.

LISTEN: Tony La Russa — Joe Mather — Kyle Lohse (1:05 MP3)